Cartier 40's 18K Gold Diamond and Gemset Compact, Circa 1940
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Dimensions:Diameter: 3.5 in (88.9 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Antique 18K Gold and Multi-Colored Gemset Necklace, Circa 1880Located in New York, NYAntique 18K Gold and Multi-Colored Gemset Necklace; circa 1880 21 graduated precious and semi precious gem stones (topaz, amethyst, garnets, citrines, sapphires, tourmalines and zirc...Category
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian More Necklaces
MaterialsAmethyst, Aquamarine, Garnet, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Zircon, 18k Gold
- Cartier Gold Lapis and Rock Crystal Bracelet, Circa 1940By CartierLocated in New York, NY18K Gold Lapis and Rock Crystal Bracelet; Cartier, Paris; No.02533; Circa 1940 with original fitted boxCategory
Vintage 1940s French Retro Link Bracelets
MaterialsCrystal, Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Gold
- Cartier Paris, Diamond Ruby Gold and Platinum Earrings, Circa 1955By CartierLocated in New York, NYDiamond Ruby 18K Gold and Platinum Earrings; 90 Diamonds approx 3.50ct, 26 Rubies approx 4ct; Cartier, Paris; French; Ca1955Category
Vintage 1950s French Modern Clip-on Earrings
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
- Cartier Art Deco Moonstone, Sapphire and Diamond Cufflinks and Studs, Circa 1920By CartierLocated in New York, NYMoonstone, Sapphire, Diamond & Rock Crystal Cufflink and Stud Set; Cartier, Paris; Ca1920 with original fitted Cartier boxCategory
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cufflinks
MaterialsDiamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
- Cartier Platinum and Diamond Art Deco BraceletBy CartierLocated in New York, NYPlatinum & Diamond Art Deco Bracelet; 380 Diamonds approx 25ct; Cartier; Paris; French; Ca1920 with original fitted boxCategory
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco More Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Stephen Russell Diamond and 18 Kt Multicolored Gold BanglesBy Stephen RussellLocated in New York, NY18K White, Yellow and Rose Gold & Diamond Bangles; 99 Diamonds 7.85ct; signed STEPHEN RUSSELLCategory
2010s American Modern Bangles
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
- Cartier 18k 750 Yellow Gold and Diamond CompactBy CartierLocated in Scottsdale, AZVintage 18K yellow gold Cartier compact powder box with a woven texture and diamond encrusted thumb-piece. Circa 1950's. The compact is stamped with th...Category
Vintage 1950s French Boxes and Cases
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Art Deco Ladies Powder Compact, circa 1935Located in Westward ho, GBVintage Art Deco Compact in white metal with a highly stylised design in black and pink enamelling, Maison Jeurelle - from the Seventeen Makeup Line. Inside the Compact is signed in ...Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vanity Items
- Rene Boivin 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Ruby Compact Case, circa 1940By René BoivinLocated in New York, NYRené Boivin was born in February 1864 in Paris. An excellent designer and engraver, he began a career in the jewellery field at a young age. During the 1890s he purchased several workshops and established himself at rue St. Anastase. In 1893 he married Jean...Category
Vintage 1940s French Art Nouveau Boxes and Cases
MaterialsRuby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Paris Retro Ruby and Sapphire Gold Double LipstickBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Double Headed Lipstick Holder This accessory has two heads that can hold lipstick and 2 carved gemstones (ruby and sapphire) all set in 1...Category
20th Century French Artist Vanity Items
MaterialsRuby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
- 1920s Art Deco Natural Pearl Onyx Diamond Platinum CompactLocated in New York, NYExquisite!! Art Deco! Natural pearl, mother of pearl diamond and onyx compact, circa 1920's. Here is when we say and Picture Is Worth Thousand Words Estimated diamond weight...Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vanity Items
MaterialsOnyx, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
- Cartier Paris Belle Epoque Garland Style Enamel Diamond Gold Belt BuckleBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier enamel and diamond belt buckle. French The domed rectangular buckle decorated with green guilloché enamel and white enamel borders, set with rose-cut diamond flower-head, c...Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Vanity Items
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Enamel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.